I avoid glitter like the plague, but the squeals of delight every time I reluctantly take it out have had me searching for an authentic art/glitter connection for a long time. This Gustav Klimt inspired project may finally be the answer! This fantastic art unit for kids ages 4-8 illustrates how Austrian painter Gustav Klimt (best known for his work, “The Kiss”) created stunning images that hover between realism and shimmering abstraction. These teaching resources expose kids to several of Klimt’s kid-friendly artworks, explore how he incorporated spirals, gold, and patterns in his art, and help you, as facilitator, feel confident about exactly how to connect all this to a super fun, hands-on mixed-media project. The best part? That lingering speck of glitter on your cheek will finally feel like the product of an authentic learning experience. Finally!
Keep scrolling for:
- 15 Klimt-Related Fun Facts
- Common Questions Kids Ask About Gustav Klimt
- Picture Books to go Along with Gustav Klimt Art Projects
- Informational Books about Gustav Klimt
- Informational Videos about Gustav Klimt
- An overview with photos and action phots of the Gustav Klimt art unit
- Free Printable Gustav Klimt Quote Poster
Famous Artist Facts
15 Fun Facts about Gustav Klimt for Kids
- Klimt was born on July 14, 1862.
- Klimt was a symbolist painter.
- Japanese art was a big influence in Kilmt’s style.
- Klimt passed away on February 6, 1918 at 55.
- One of Klimt’s descendants started the Gustav Klimt Foundation to preserve his works.
- Klimt was from Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna celebrated his 150th birthday with city-wide exhibitions of his art.
- Klimt had a “Golden Phase” where he used actual gold in his paintings!
- Klimt didn’t travel as much as other artists, but a trip to Venice is believed to have inspired his Golden Phase.
- Klimt was a founding member of the Vienna Secession, a group of artists and architects.
- Klimt was one of seven children in his family!
- One of Klimt’s most famous works is called The Tree of Life.
- Klimt started attending the School of Arts and Crafts of Vienna (now known as the University of Applied Arts Vienna) at just age 14.
- Klimt’s The Tree of Life was inspired by the common religious symbol of the same name.
- Klimt’s works include not just paintings, but also many famous murals!
Common Questions Kids Ask About Gustav Klimt
Where did Gustav Klimt live?
Klimt was born in Baumgarten, Vienna.
When did Gustav Klimt start painting?
At 14 years old Gustav attended the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts on a full scholarship after being encouraged by a relative to take the entrance exam.
What is Gustav Klimt famous for?
He is a famous painter associated with Modern Art and the Vienna Secession. His artwork is known for its visual combination of the traditional and modern as well as the real and abstract.
Is Gustav Klimt still alive?
No, Gustav Klimt died on February 6, 1918.
For more information about Gustav Klimt, visit the following pages.
Picture Books to go Along with Gustav Klimt Art Projects
In the Gustav Klimt Unit from Kids Art Projects 101 we take special notice of trees around us and consider how trees change throughout the seasons . These picture books about trees can help kids visualize different details even if you don’t experience a dramatic change of seasons in your area.
Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
See inside a tree throughout the seasons and learn how they change and what animals live and play in the tree. {Full book details here.}
A Tree for All Seasons by Robin Bernard
Learn about how a tree grows and changes through the seasons. {Full book details here.}
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons
Follow Arnold and his Apple Tree through the four seasons and see how the tree has something new to help each season! {Full book details here.}
The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green
Learn about trees, the animals that live in them, and even how they communicate in this brightly colored book! {Full book details here.}
Books About Gustav Klimt and His Work
The following books are specifically related to Gustav Klimt and can supplement the facts and information provided in the digital presentation that is part of the Gustave Klimt Art Unit from Kids Art Projects 101.
The Magical Tree by Myriam Ouyessad
The Magical Tree tells the story of a tree that grows magic fruit that can save lives, inspired by Klimt’s painting The Tree of Life! {Full book details here.}
Klimt and His Cat by Berenice Capatti
See Klimt’s life and studio from the perspective of his cat Katze in this cute story. {Full book details here.}
Patterns from Nature: The Art of Klimt by Myeong-hwa Yu
Learn about Klimt’s inspirations from nature in this well illustrated story. {Full book details here.}
Learn More About Gustav Klimt with these YouTube Videos
Who is Gustav Klimt? by Educational Videos for Art
An introduction to Gustav Klimt’s life and works {See it on YouTube.}
Gustav Klimt: Life of an Artist by Art History School
A quick biography of Klimt, including his life and his famous paintings. {See it on YouTube.}
Gustav Klimt Unit for K-2 Art Students
The Klimt Unit is a project-based study of Gustav Klimt that introduces young artists to the the Tree of Life and making spirals.
Inside the unit you’ll find a 25-page unit guide full of information and tips for teaching this series of art lessons to students in preschool through grade 2.
The unit is broken down into four 40-minute sessions.
For each session there is a guided presentation that has already been prepared for you and can be used via Google Slides or PowerPoint. The presentation also introduces and guides you through completion of a studio project and follow-up activity.
The 101-page combined PDF and Google Slides full resource includes:
- An original digital storybook designed to expose students to famous artworks and details about Paul Klee
- A digital step-by-step studio project guide with clear directions, supply lists, and work sample photos
- A printable studio project follow-up activity
- A printable early finisher activity
- A digital lesson overview
- A printable self-assessment
Klimt Unit Teaching Tips Video
The Famous Artists units are designed to be open-and-go, but if you are the kind of teacher who likes to dig a little deeper, we’ve also created video tutorials for each of the units. In each video I share helpful tips that I’ve learned along the way as I use these units in my own elementary art classroom. These are currently available only to members of the Kids Art Projects 101 program. Learn more about becoming a member here.
Free Printable Klimt Quote Poster
I’m sharing a free printable quote poster to go with each of the famous artist units. These can be used as a way to connect art and literacy and inspire discussions about the meaning or significance of each artist’s quote.
The free printable includes a color option that can be placed on display in the art room as décor throughout the year or added to a student work showcase bulletin board.
There is also a black and white version that kids can use as an optional coloring page.
Get the Free Printable Klimt Quote Poster
Are you a Kids Art Projects 101 member? Download your printable quote poster here.
Paul Klee Teaching Resources and Lesson Plans